Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez training report ahead of first Inter Miami MLS game together

There was an anxious wait for Lionel Messi as the Argentine superstar took to the field at Inter Miami’s Fort Lauderdale training complex ahead of their MLS opener against Real Salt Lake on Tuesday morning.

Earlier this month, Messi had been nursing a slight adductor issue that forced him to miss the pre-season exhibition match in Hong Kong but the 36-year-old World Cup-winning captain is now ready to commence his first full season with David Beckham’s star-studded side.

A few days ago, Messi took to Chinese social media site Weibo to shoot down suggestions that he missed the match in Hong Kong due to political reasons, outlining that he’d suffered pain in his adductor which he has since shaken off.

He was the last first-team star out onto the grass as Tata Martino’s men put the finishing touches on their preparations for the 2024 campaign – one they go into as strong favourites after winning the Leagues Cup in August following a 10-9 penalty-shootout triumph over Nashville.

READ MORE: Lionel Messi responds to “totally untrue” stories over Hong Kong controversy
READ MORE: Lionel Messi makes classy Barcelona gesture that speaks volumes despite bitter exit

Messi followed close friend Luis Suarez out of the locker room while the rest of their Inter Miami team-mates awaited their arrival in front of a large global media audience. The former Barcelona icon then embraced Martino, sharing a quick word with his coach, before rondos and light running commenced on the training field.

Unsurprisingly, Messi and Suarez teamed up with Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba as the four have maintained the strong bond they shared during their time together in Catalonia. They could be spotted laughing, joking and sniggering as they attempted to execute nutmegs.

Ecuador international forward Leonardo Campana was also a big presence on the training field. He joined Inter Miami in 2023 from Premier League outfit Wolves and already has 20 MLS goals to his name as he seeks to elevate his game to the next level this season.

For all the latest on news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US .

After training, both Alba and Martino addressed the media as Inter Miami bid to start their campaign on the best possible note. Martino confirmed that both Messi and Suarez are ready to play though he refused to disclose whether both had 90 minutes in their locker.

Suarez was jokingly hobbling around the training pitch but he is constantly battling persistent knee pain that has threatened to cut his career short. Alba confirmed both attackers are ready to feature before outlining Inter Miami’s desire to win all trophies on offer this season.

“Physically they are both fine,” said Alba. “Everyone plays what they are comfortable playing. We can’t choose one tournament, we want to win all of them. Game by game and win all of it.”

There was also some big club news announced by Inter Miami, who revealed that they’ve renamed their home ground to the Chase Stadium. Bank JP Morgan have struck a multi-million-dollar naming rights deal for the 21,500-seat arena which was previously known as the DRV PNK Stadium.

Meanwhile, Federico Redondo, son of former Real Madrid defensive midfielder Fernando, has been finalising a transfer from Argentinos Juniors. Wednesday’s opponents Real Salt Lake were also in town as they trained on Tuesday afternoon at Inter Miami’s academy complex. They will be without new signing Matt Crooks from Middlesbrough who has flown back home to the UK to resolve a VISA issue.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.